Article and method using pressurized air to provide motive power for toys

ABSTRACT

An article comprises a body, wherein a portion of the body is hollow. A pressurized gas is disposed within the hollow portion of the body. The hollow portion of the body has at least one opening defined therein. The opening is adapted to enable the pressurized gas to escape from the hollow portion of the body, such that the escaping gas provides energy to an associated object operatively associated with the body. The article and method of pressurizing hollow toys may provide a plurality of objects that are interchangeably and operatively associated with the body of the article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority from a provisional patentapplication filed on Aug. 3, 2001, having serial No. 60/309,969.

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses forproviding pressurized air as a motive force in toys, such as toys havinghollow bodies and further to use such pressurization to cause movementof a related member.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] It is well known that products made from plastic or similarmaterials are often produced via methods that create hollow bodies.Examples of such manufacturing processes include rotational molding,blow molding, compression molding, and transfer molding. Typically,products produced from these processes have an outside wall and aninside wall. Numerous products are manufactured utilizing theseprocesses since they are economical, and the resulting products arelightweight but still sturdy.

[0006] More specifically, children's toys are commonly made of plastic.Plastic provides many advantages, including the ability to brightlycolor the plastic, to easily clean the plastic, and plastic's ability toabsorb loads, such as is common from sudden impacts common when childrenplay with toys. For example, one popular toy is a kitchenette. In thesetoys, the kitchenette often includes a play refrigerator, stove,microwave, and/or other similar home products. Accessories, such as playappliances or play foods, may be utilized in conjunction with thekitchenette. Children can be occupied for hours pretending to play“house.” However, the associated accessories for toy kitchenettes arelimited in performance. Children use their imagination and pretend thatfood is being cooked, or that appliances are working. Over time, a childmay be less able to think of new creative ideas when playing with thekitchenette and could become bored with the toy. As the kitchenette andits accessories become more intricate and closer to those used byadults, children's imaginations can be sparked so that they can think ofnew and exciting scenarios.

[0007] Therefore there is a need in the art to provide an apparatus andmethod for pressurizing hollow toys that helps children's creativethinking and imagination by providing a hollow toy that more closelysimulates a similar item utilized by adults.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An article comprises a body, wherein a portion of the body ishollow. A pressurized gas is disposed within the hollow portion of thebody. The hollow portion of the body has at least one opening definedtherein. The opening is adapted to enable the pressurized gas to escapefrom the hollow portion of the body, such that the escaping gas providesenergy to an associated object operatively associated with the body.Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide anarticle and method of pressurizing hollow toys that provides a pluralityof objects/implements that are interchangeably and operativelyassociated with the body of the article.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy further comprising a pressurizing mechanism operativelyconnected to the body.

[0010] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy wherein the pressurizing mechanism is a fan.

[0011] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the hollow portion of the body has a pluralityof apertures disposed in the walls thereof.

[0012] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the plurality of apertures are adapted to allowfor the pressurized gas to continuously escape from the hollow portionof the body.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, further comprising a sealing mechanism for sealing theopening defined in the hollow portion of the body.

[0014] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the sealing mechanism is a plug.

[0015] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy wherein the plug threadably connects to the hollow body.

[0016] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the sealing mechanism is a sliding cover inpivotal association with the body. The sliding cover is adapted to pivotover and seal the opening.

[0017] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the body is a toy kitchenette.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the object comprises a base having a holedefined therein for the pressurized gas to pass therethrough; and, anobject body operatively connected to the base.

[0019] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the object is a teapot.

[0020] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the teapot is adapted to whistle when theenergy is transmitted to the teapot.

[0021] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the object further comprises at least onemovable element in operative association with the object.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the object is at least one selected from thegroup of coffee maker, teapot, blender, frying pan, toaster, dishwasher,baking item, icemaker, or bubble machine.

[0023] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the blender is aplurality of particulate matter, the particulate matter adapted tocirculate within the body.

[0024] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the frying pan is apivotable plate attached thereto.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the toaster is at leastone slice of toast, the toaster body having at least one elongated slot,the slice of toast adapted to pass through the elongated slot when thetoaster is in operative association with the hollow body member.

[0026] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the object body of the dishwasher comprises atleast one transparent wall to view the movable element, the movableelement being a plurality of particulate matter, the particulate matteradapted to circulate in the object body.

[0027] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the object body of the baked food item is apan, the movable element being a piece of expanding material operativelyconnected to the pan, the foil and pan defining a cavity, the foiladapted to expand as the gas fills the cavity.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the icemaker is at leastone imitation ice cube.

[0029] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the icemaker further comprises a dispenser forreleasing gas into the object body to churn the ice cube.

[0030] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the bubble machine is arotation mechanism.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the bubble machine is abubble formation device.

[0032] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the object body of the bubble machine comprisesan interior wall, the interior wall defining an interior space with thebody; and, a disk operatively connected to the body within the interiorspace, the disk having a first opening defined therein, the disk alsohaving a disk edge, a portion of the disk edge forming a sealedconnection with the interior wall to form a separate cavity.

[0033] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises an axledisposed through a hole in the disk; and, paddles operatively connectedto the axle beneath the disk, the paddles adapted to rotate the axle asthe gas passes through the interior space of the object body.

[0034] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the bubble machine further comprises a bubbleformation device operatively connected to the axle.

[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide apressurized toy, wherein the bubble formation device comprises at leastone bubble wand, the bubble wand having a first end operativelyconnected to the axle, the bubble wand further comprising a second enddistal from the first end, the second end having an opening.

[0036] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide anobject utilized with an associated pressurized toy, the objectcomprising a base, the base having a hole defined in the base for anassociated gas to pass therethrough from the pressurized toy; and, abody operatively connected to the base, the gas adapted to transmitenergy to the object.

[0037] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for utilizing a toy comprising the steps of:

[0038] providing a toy comprising a body, a portion of the body beinghollow; the hollow portion of the body having an opening, the openingadapted to enable pressurized gas to escape from the hollow portion ofthe body;

[0039] pressurizing the hollow portion of the body; and,

[0040] releasing the gas through the opening and into operativeengagement with an associated object, the released gas transferringenergy from the body to the associated object.

[0041] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for utilizing a toy comprising the step of causing sound to emitfrom the object.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a methodfor utilizing a toy, wherein the object further comprises at least onemovable element in operative association with the object, the methodfurther comprising the step of moving the movable element.

[0043] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide atoy system, comprising:

[0044] a body, comprising:

[0045] a hollow body member, the hollow body member defining a volumetherein;

[0046] a gas disposed within the volume;

[0047] a pressurizing mechanism; and,

[0048] a plurality of apertures disposed in the hollow body member, theplurality of apertures adapted to permit the pressurized gas to escapefrom the volume; and,

[0049] a plurality of objects selectively and interchangeably inoperative association with the body, such that the pressurized gasescaping from the hollow portion of the body provides energy to theselected object.

[0050] Further, another objective of the present invention is to providean article and method of pressurizing hollow toys, wherein the body ofthe article comprises an first wall and a second wall with the volumedefined therebetween.

[0051] Still yet, another objective of the present invention is toprovide an article and method of pressurizing hollow toys, wherein thefirst wall of the body has a hole defined therein for positioning thepressurizing mechanism.

[0052] Still, another objective of the present invention is to providean article and method of pressurizing hollow toys wherein the object isin a kitchen appliance.

[0053] Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a readingand understanding of the following detailed specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The invention may take physical form in certain parts andarrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be describedin detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof and herein:

[0055]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

[0057]FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the present invention.

[0058]FIG. 4 is cross sectional view of the body of the presentinvention.

[0059]FIG. 5 illustrates a hole defined in the body member of thepresent invention.

[0060]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a hole defined in the body ofthe hollow body of the present invention and a sealing mechanism.

[0061]FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of thesealing mechanism.

[0062]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pressurizing mechanism for thehollow body.

[0063]FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the pressurizing mechanism for thehollow body.

[0064]FIG. 10 shows a front view of the power means of the presentinvention.

[0065]FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a toy blender apparatusin operative association with the hollow body.

[0066]FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a toy frying panapparatus having toy food therein.

[0067]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a toy toaster apparatus.

[0068]FIG. 14 is a top view of a toy toaster apparatus.

[0069]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of toy plastic bread apparatusdisposed within the toasters of FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0070]FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a toy door removed from atoy dishwasher to show a simulated water and suds action.

[0071]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the oven of the body showing ahole defined therein.

[0072]FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a toy pan and a simulatedtoy dough apparatus configured so that the air entering into the toy panappears to cause the dough to rise;

[0073]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a toy teapot apparatus inoperative association with the hollow body of the present invention.

[0074]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a toy icemaker apparatus inoperative association with the hollow body of the present invention.

[0075]FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of FIG. 20.

[0076]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a toy bubble machine in operativeassociation with the hollow body of the present invention.

[0077]FIG. 23 is another top perspective view of the bubble machine inoperative association with the hollow body of the present invention.

[0078]FIG. 24 is a side view of a manifold utilized in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

[0079]FIG. 25 is a top view of the manifold shown in FIG. 24.

[0080]FIG. 26 is an alternative embodiment of the present inventionshowing the use of the manifold with the stovetop in the pressurizingmechanism.

[0081]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themanifold.

[0082]FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the manifold of FIG. 27.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0083] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are forpurposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention onlyand not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-23 illustrate thepresent invention. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an article 10 having abody 12 is shown. At least a portion of the body 12 is hollow. Thepreferred method of manufacturing the body 12 is through rotationalmolding, although other methods from molding plastic can also be used.For example, it is believed similar type products can be manufacturedthrough injection molding, transfer molding, compression molding, andblow molding techniques. As shown in FIG. 4, the hollow portion 14 ofthe body 12 comprises a first wall 16 and a second wall 18 with a volume20 defined therebetween. A gas 22, such as air, but not limited thereto,is disposed within the volume 20. The volume 20 defined between thefirst and second walls 16, 18 is pressurized so that the gas 22 maycontinuously circulate throughout the hollow portion 14 of the body 12and eventually escape into the surrounding environment. The amount ofpressurization can be chosen with respect to sound engineering judgment.The device can also operate if a slight vacuum is created within thebody 12. The important issue is that there is a differential in pressurebetween the interior of the body 12 and the ambient atmosphere.

[0084] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of thepresent invention takes the form of a toy body. In this case the toybody is a plastic kitchenette 26. As shown in the FIGURES, thekitchenette 26 may comprise certain facsimiles of real-life kitchenproducts, such as a countertop 28, a microwave 30, a refrigerator 32,and a range 34 having an oven 36 and a stovetop 38. The body 12 may takeother forms of pressurized toys including without limitation, a workbench (not shown), or other home and garden items.

[0085] With reference to FIG. 5, the hollow body portion 14 comprises atleast one opening 24 defined therein. The opening 24 is adapted toenable the pressurized gas 22 to escape from the hollow portion 14 ofthe body 12. The pressurized gas 22 escapes from the hollow portion 14of the body 12 and provides energy to an associated object 62operatively associated with the body 12. The present invention mayinclude one object 62 or a plurality of objects 62 that are selectivelyand interchangeably in operative association with the body 12. Each ofthe plurality of objects 62 may have one movable element or component70. The energy from the escaping pressurized gas 22 causes movement tothe movable component 70 of each of the plurality of objects 62.Alternatively, the energy may produce another result, such as producingsound, but not limited thereto. When the toy body 12 is a kitchenette26, the objects 62 may be a variety of kitchen appliances or food items.When the toy body 12 is a work bench, the objects may be tools.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 6, yet another aperture 40 defined in thehollow body 14 is shown. Similar apertures 40 are disposed atpredetermined locations about the body 12. These apertures 40 allow forthe pressurized gas 22 to continuously escape from the body 12. Alsoshown in FIG. 5 is a sealing mechanism 42, which prevents the gas 22from escaping from the selected opening 24 or apertures 40. It should beunderstood that the sealing mechanism 42 only needs to cover the opening24 and/or apertures 40. The sealing mechanism 42 does not need toprovide a complete airtight seal with the hollow body portion 14. Whenthe sealing mechanism 42 is utilized, the pressure increases throughoutthe hollow body 14, which increases the amount of energy provided to theobjects 62.

[0087] With continuing reference to FIG. 6, the sealing mechanism 42 isshown in the form of a threaded plug 44, which may be selectively andthreadably attached to the wall 16 of the hollow body portion 14defining the aperture 40. The plug 44 prevents the gas 22 from escapingthrough the opening 24 and/or apertures 40 of the hollow body portion14. It is also contemplated that the plug 44 may be received within theopening 24 or aperture without utilizing a threaded connection.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 7, another form of the sealing mechanism42 is shown. This sealing mechanism 42 may generally be placed on top ofthe opening 24 and/or the apertures 40. The sealing mechanism 42 of FIG.7 comprises a substantially planar plate member 46 with an elongatedhole 48 defined therein. A sliding cover 50 is pivotally attached to thesubstantially planar plate member 46 in order to selectively open andclose the hole 48 in the substantially planar plate member 46. Thesliding cover 50 determines the amount of gas 22 that can escape fromthe hollow body 14 by changing the size of the opening 24 and/orapertures 40. By selectively sealing the hole 48 in the plate 46, theapertures 40 and/or the opening 24 in the hollow body portion 14 arealso sealed. Other sealing mechanisms 42 may be utilized in conjunctionwith the present invention, and the foregoing description serves only asan example.

[0089] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the pressurizing mechanism 52 for the gas22. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one embodiment of the pressurizingmechanism 52 is shown in the form of a fan 54, which pressurizes the gas22 contained within the body 12 of the present invention. Pressurizingthe gas 22 also results in pressurizing the volume 20 previouslydescribed. In order to effectively position the fan 54 within the body12, a hole is drilled in one of the walls 16, 18 of the body 12, and thefan 54 is positioned therein, as shown in FIG. 4. The fan 54 may besecured to the hollow body member 14 with fastening means 56. To powerthe fan 54, any power means 58 generally known in the art may beutilized, including without limitation, batteries or an AC adapter 60 asshown in FIG. 10. An example of an AC adapter 60 utilized with thepresent invention is available from HON-K WANG having model numberD12-10-1000.

[0090] With reference to FIGS. 11-23, the plurality of objects 62associated with the body 12 of the present invention is shown.Generally, each of the objects 62 comprises a base 64 having a hole 66or other passageway defined therein for the escaping gas 22 to passtherethrough from the hollow body 14. An object body 68 is operativelyconnected to the base 64. The movable element 70 is in operativeassociation with the base 64 and/or the object body 68, such that energyfrom the escaping pressurized gas 22 sets the movable element 70 inmotion. Alternatively, instead of the energy setting the movable element70 in motion, the object 62 may have energy transferred to it to resultin another function, such as producing sound. For the objects 62comprising the movable element 70, the hole 66 should be large enoughfor gas 22 to pass therethrough, but yet small enough to prevent anycomponent of the object 62 from disassociating with the object 62. Toprevent the movable element 70 from disassociating with the object 62,the hole 66 may have a screen or other mesh covering 67 placed over it,as illustrated in FIG. 11. In another embodiment, the object 62 maycomprise a plurality of holes integrally formed with the object body 68or the object base 64. The following description serves as an example ofthe various objects 62 that may be placed in operative association withthe body 12 of the article 10 and are not intended to serve aslimitations.

[0091] With reference to FIG. 11, one object 62 associated with thearticle 10 is shown. This embodiment of the object 62 takes the form ofa kitchen blender 72. The blender 72, which is in operative associationwith the hollow body portion 14 of the article 10, comprises a base 74having a hole 76 defined therein. The blender 72 has a blender body 78extending from the base 74, and it comprises a lid 80 that may beselectively engageable with the blender body 78. The lid 80 may alsopermanently attach to the blender body 72. A handle 82 is also attachedto the body 78 for easy usage. The movable element 70 is disposed withinthe blender 72. In this embodiment, the movable element 70 may be aplurality of particulate matter 84, such as small pellets 86. Theparticulate matter 84 may be a lightweight material such as Styrofoam®,a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich.When the blender 72 is positioned over the opening 24, gas 22 passesthrough the hole 76 of the base 74, into an interior space 88 of theblender body 78, and circulates the particulate matter 84. This has theeffect of simulating food being processed within the blender 72.

[0092] With reference to FIG. 12, shows yet another embodiment of theobject 62 associated with the body 12 of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the object 62 takes the form of a frying pan 90. The fryingpan 90 has various food items 92 disposed therein. For example, FIG. 12illustrates a fried egg 94 and slices of bacon 96. Of course, any othersimulated food item 92 may be placed therein to imitate cooking. Thefrying pan 90 comprises a base 98 having at least one hole 100 thereinfor allowing gas 22 to escape from the hollow portion 14 of the article10. A pivotable plate 102 is positioned within the frying pan 90. As thegas 22 escapes through the hole 100 in the base 98 of the frying pan 90,the pivotable plate 102 moves relative to the frying pan 90. Themovement of the pivotable plate 102 causes the egg 94 and the bacon 96to appear that it is moving. This movement simulates the actual movementof frying eggs and frying bacon in a pan. Of course, moveable plate 92can be eliminated and the egg 94 and bacon 96 can be directly impactedby the air.

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 13-15, another object 62 of the article10 is shown. In this embodiment, the object 10 is a toaster 104. Thetoaster 104 may be placed in operative association with the body 12 ofthe article 10 by being positioned on the opening 24 or on one of theapertures 40. As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the toaster 104 has a base 106with a hole 108 defined therein for the pressurized gas 22 to passtherethrough. The toaster 104 has a body 110 with two elongated slots112.

[0094] The toaster body 110 may also have one elongated slot 112 for asingle slice of toast, a waffle (not shown), a bagel (not shown), apastry (not shown), or other food item generally processed in toasters.FIG. 15 shows the movable element 70 in the form of slices of toast 114positioned within the body 110 of the toaster. The slices of toast 114maybe substantially parallel and are joined by a base member 116. Theslices of toast 114 are inserted into the toaster body 110. As gas 22escapes through the opening 24 or apertures 40, the increased gaspressure raises the slices of toast 114 through the elongated slots 112.As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the amount of pressurized gas 22 may becontrolled by the sealing mechanism 42 utilizing the substantiallyplanar plate 46 and the sliding cover 50.

[0095] With reference to FIG. 16, another embodiment of the object 62 isshown in the form of a dishwasher 118. A dishwasher base 120 has a hole122 defined therein so that pressurized gas 22 may pass therethrough.The dishwasher 118 comprises a body 124 having two walls 126 to define asubstantially sealed cavity 128, which holds a plurality of particulatematter 84, such as small pellets 86. The dishwasher 118 may alsocomprise at least one angled shelf member 87. As shown in FIG. 16, thedishwasher comprises two angled shelf members 87. The shelf members 87funnel the particulate matter 84 toward the hole 122. In thisembodiment, the pellets 86 serve as the movable element 70. At least oneof the walls 126 should be transparent in order to view the pellets 86.As the gas 22 passes within the sealed cavity 128, the pellets 86circulate to resemble soapsuds.

[0096] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the inside of the oven 36 ofthe body 12 is shown. As shown in FIG. 17, the oven 36 has a shelf 132.The shelf 132 also has a hole 134 defined therein for gas 22 to escapefrom the hollow body 14. As shown in FIG. 18, an object 62 may be placedover the hole 134 to imitate the food item rising. As shown in FIG. 18,the object 62 is a loaf of bread 136 being baked in a baking pan 138.The baking pan 138 has a base 140 with a hole 142 defined therein. Inthis embodiment, the movable element 70 is a piece of expanding material144, such as aluminum foil, but not limited thereto. The expandingmaterial 144 and the baking pan 138 define a cavity 146. As gas 22passes through the hole 142 in the base 140, gas 22 fills the cavity 146of the baking pan 138 and raises the expanding material 144. Naturally,other objects 62 may be placed within the oven 36 to simulate baking,including without limitation, a cake.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 19, the object 62 of the article 10 may take theform of a teapot 148. The teapot 148 comprises a body 151 operativelyconnected to a base 152. The body 151 may be integrally formed with thebase 152. The teapot 148 has a hole 150 defined in the base 152. At thetop of the teapot 148, a whistle 154 is operatively connected thereto.When the teapot 148 is placed over the opening 24 or apertures 40 of thebody 12, gas passes through the cavity 155 of the teapot 148 and exitsthrough the whistle 154 making a whistle sound, which imitates the samesound as teapots fabricated from traditional heat resistant materials.

[0098] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, another object 62 of thearticle 10 is shown in operative association with the body 12. In thisembodiment, the object 62 takes the form of an icemaker 156, and themoving element 70 is a plurality of imitation ice cubes 158. Theicemaker 156 has a base 160 fastened to the hollow body portion 14. Thetop portion 162 of the icemaker 156 defines an enclosed volume 164,which is utilized to hold the imitation ice cubes 158. The bottom 166 ofthe icemaker 156 comprises a dispenser 168. As shown in FIG. 21, whenpressure is applied to the dispenser 168, the dispenser 168 is pushedtoward the hollow body portion 14, and the gas 22 escapes into theenclosed volume 164. Pressure may be applied in any manner, such as witha cup or a user's hand. This causes the imitation ice cubes 158 disposedwithin the enclosed volume 164 to churn, which simulates a traditionalicemaker.

[0099] With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, still another object 62 of thearticle 10 of the present invention is shown, which takes the form of abubble machine 170. In this embodiment, the bubble machine 170 comprisesa body 176 having a hole 174 defined in the base 172, which operativelyassociates with the body 12 of the article 10. The moving element 70 isa rotation mechanism 192, which rotates a bubble formation device 198through soapy solution 208 and across the pressurized gas 22 to producebubbles. The body 176 has an interior wall 178, wherein the interiorwall 178 and the body 176 define an interior space 180. A disk 182 isoperatively connected to the body 176 at an angled position within theinterior space 180. An opening 184 is defined within an upper portion186 of the disk 182. A portion of a disk edge 188 forms a sealedconnection with the interior wall 178 to form a separate cavity 190 tocontain the soapy solution 208, which will produce bubbles.

[0100] The rotation mechanism 192 comprises an axle 194 disposed througha hole in the disk 182. Further, paddles 196 are operatively attached tothe axle 194 beneath the disk 182, as clearly seen in FIG. 23. Only onepaddle 196 may be utilized provided that it does not inhibit the passageof gas through the disk opening 184.

[0101] The bubble formation device 198 is also attached to the axle 194on a topside 183 of the disk 182. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the bubble formation device 198 comprises at least one bubblewand 200. The bubble wand 200 has one end 202 operatively connected tothe axle area. The second end 204 is distal to the first end 202,wherein the second end 204 has an opening 206 and may be circular inshape. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the bubble formation device 198utilizes three bubble wands 200.

[0102] As the gas 22 escapes through the hole 174 in the body 176, itpasses into the interior space 180 of the bubble machine 170. The gas 22contacts the paddles 196 underneath the disk 182. This causes thepaddles 196 to rotate, which in turn rotates the axle 194. The axle 194then turns the bubble formation device 198, such that the bubble wand200 passes through the soapy solution 208. The bubble formation device198 rotates over the hole 174 in the disk 182. Gas 22 passes through thehole 174 and against the bubble formation device 198 to cause aplurality of bubbles to be formed. Any mechanism may be utilized torotate the bubble formation device 198 through the soapy solution 208.The foregoing description serves as one possible example.

[0103] In order to utilize the present invention, a pressurized toy aspreviously described is provided. Power means 58 energizes thepressurizing mechanism 52 to pressurize the hollow portion 14 of thebody 12. The gas circulates throughout the hollow body portion 14. Gasis then released through the opening 24 and/or the apertures 40 of thehollow body 14 and into operative engagement with the associated object62. The released gas transfers energy from the hollow body 14 of thearticle 10 to the associated object 62. The transferred energy resultsin movement of the movable object 70 or produces sound.

[0104] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIGS. 24-28. In this embodiment, the pressurizing mechanism 52 is afan 54 used in operative association with a manifold 210. Turning toFIGS. 24 and 25, the manifold comprises a manifold body 216. An intake212 and at least one port 214 extend from the manifold body 216. Asshown in FIGS. 24-28, a plurality of ports 214 extend from the manifoldbody 216. The intake 212, the plurality of ports 214, and the manifoldbody 216 define a continuous passageway for the pressurized gas to flowto the objects 62, which are selectively positioned on the body 12 ofthe present invention. As shown in FIGS. 24-26, the plurality of ports214 extends upwardly from the manifold body 216.

[0105]FIG. 26 illustrates the manifold 210 containing the pressurizedgas. The gas passes through the intake 212 through the manifold body 216and through the ports 214. The gas then provides energy to the object62, which is positioned on the stovetop 38.

[0106] Viewing FIGS. 27 and 28, another embodiment of the manifold 210is shown. In this embodiment, the manifold body 216 is cylindrical.Further, the manifold body 210 comprises a sidewall 218. The fan 54 ispositioned within the manifold body 216. Two curved ports 214 extendfrom the sidewall 218, which operatively associates with the opening 24and/or apertures 40 of the hollow body 12. It should be understood thatthe ports 214 and manifold body 210 may be of any geometry chosen inaccordance with sound engineering judgment.

[0107] As previously discussed, the body 12 may comprise a plurality ofopenings 24. As such, a plurality of pressurizing mechanisms 52, asshown in FIGS. 2428, may be utilized in conjunction with the hollow body12. Each of the plurality of pressurizing mechanisms 52 may beselectively positioned in operative association with at least one of theplurality of openings 24.

[0108] The invention has been described with reference to preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alternations in so far asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalencethereof.

[0109] Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

What is claimed is:
 1. An article, comprising: a body, a portion of saidbody being hollow; a pressurized gas disposed within said hollow portionof said body, said hollow portion having at least one opening defined insaid hollow portion of said body, said opening adapted to enable saidpressurized gas to escape from said hollow portion of said body, suchthat pressurized gas escaping from said hollow portion of said bodyprovides energy to an associated object operatively associated with saidbody.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein said article is a toy.
 3. Thearticle of claim 1, further comprising a pressurizing mechanismoperatively connected to said body.
 4. The article of claim 3, whereinsaid pressurizing mechanism is a fan.
 5. The article of claim 1, whereinsaid hollow portion of said body has an aperture disposed therein, saidaperture being adapted to allow pressurized gas to escape from saidhollow portion of said body.
 6. The article of claim 5, wherein saidaperture is adapted to allow for said pressurized gas to escape fromsaid hollow portion of said body.
 7. The article of claim 1, furthercomprising a sealing mechanism for sealing said opening defined in saidhollow portion of said body.
 8. The article of claim 7, wherein saidsealing mechanism is a sliding cover in pivotal association with saidbody, said sliding cover adapted to pivot over a part of said opening.9. A pressurized toy, comprising: a hollow body member, said hollow bodymember defining a volume therein, said hollow body member having atleast one opening in said hollow body member; a pressurizing mechanism;a gas disposed within said volume, said pressurizing mechanism adaptedto pressurize said gas, said opening adapted to permit said pressurizedgas to escape from said volume; and, an object, said object selectivelyand operatively associated with said hollow body member, wherein saidgas escaping through said opening transmits energy to said object. 10.The pressurized toy of claim 9, wherein said body is a toy kitchenette.11. The pressurized toy of claim 9, wherein said object comprises; anobject body having a hole defined therein for said pressurized gas topass therethrough;
 12. The pressurized toy of claim 11, wherein saidobject is a teapot.
 13. The pressurized toy of claim 12, wherein saidteapot is adapted to whistle when said energy is transmitted to saidteapot.
 14. The pressurized toy of claim 13, wherein said object furthercomprises at least one movable element in operative association withsaid object.
 15. The pressurized toy of claim 14, wherein said object isat least one selected from the group of blender, frying pan, toaster,dishwasher, baking item, icemaker, or bubble machine.
 16. Thepressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element of saidblender is a plurality of particulate matter, said particulate matteradapted to circulate within said body of said object.
 17. Thepressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element of said fryingpan is a pivotable plate attached thereto.
 18. The pressurized toy ofclaim 15, wherein said movable element of said toaster is at least oneslice of toast, said toaster body having at least one elongated slot,said slice of toast adapted to pass through said elongated slot whensaid toaster is in operative association with said hollow body member.19. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said object body of saiddishwasher comprises at least one transparent wall to view said movableelement, said movable element being a plurality of particulate matter,said particulate matter adapted to circulate in said object body. 20.The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said object body of said bakedfood item is a pan, said movable element being a piece of expandingmaterial operatively connected to said pan, said foil and pan defining acavity, said foil adapted to expand as said gas fills said cavity. 21.The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element of saidicemaker is at least one imitation ice cube.
 22. The pressurized toy ofclaim 21, wherein said icemaker further comprises a dispenser forreleasing gas into said object body to chum said ice cube.
 23. Thepressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element of said bubblemachine is a rotation mechanism.
 24. The pressurized toy of claim 15,wherein said movable element of said bubble machine is a bubbleformation device.
 25. The pressurized toy of claim 23, wherein saidobject body of said bubble machine comprises: an interior wall, saidinterior wall defining an interior space with said body; and, a diskoperatively connected to said body within said interior space, said diskhaving a first opening defined therein, said disk also having a diskedge, a portion of said disk edge forming a sealed connection with saidinterior wall to form a separate cavity.
 26. The pressurized toy ofclaim 23, wherein said rotation mechanism further comprises: an axledisposed through a hole in said disk; and, paddles operatively connectedto said axle beneath said disk, said paddles adapted to rotate said axleas said gas passes through said interior space of said object body. 27.The pressurized toy of claim 26, wherein said bubble machine furthercomprises a bubble formation device operatively connected to said axle.28. The pressurized toy of claim 27, wherein said bubble formationdevice comprises at least one bubble wand, said bubble wand having afirst end operatively connected to said axle, said bubble wand furthercomprising a second end distal from said first end, said second endhaving an opening.
 29. The pressurized toy of claim 9, furthercomprising a sealing mechanism for preventing said gas from escapingfrom said opening.
 30. The pressurized toy of claim 29, wherein saidsealing mechanism is a plug.
 31. The pressurized toy of claim 29,wherein said sealing mechanism is a slidable cover.
 32. An objectutilized with an associated pressurized toy, said object comprising: abase, said base having a hole defined in said base for an associated gasto pass therethrough from the pressurized toy; and, a body operativelyconnected to said base, the gas adapted to transmit energy to saidobject.
 33. The object of claim 32, wherein said object is a teapot,such that transmitted energy causes said teapot to whistle.
 34. Theobject of claim 32, further comprising: a movable element operativelyconnected to said base, wherein transmitted energy sets said movableelement into motion when the gas passes through said hole.
 35. Theobject of claim 34, wherein said object is at least one selected fromthe group of blender, frying pan, toaster, dishwasher, baking item,icemaker, or bubble machine.
 36. The object of claim 35, wherein saidmovable element of said blender is a plurality of particulate matter,said particulate matter adapted to circulate within said body.
 37. Theobject of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said frying pan is apivotable plate attached thereto.
 38. The object of claim 35, whereinsaid movable element of said toaster is at least one slice of toast,said toaster body having at least one elongated slot, said slice oftoast adapted to pass through said elongated slot when said toaster isin operative association with said hollow body member.
 39. The object ofclaim 35, wherein said movable element of said dishwasher is a pluralityof particulate matter, said particulate matter adapted to circulate insaid object body.
 40. The object of claim 35, wherein said object bodyof said baked food item is a pan, said movable element being a piece ofexpanding material operatively connected to said pan, said foil and pandefining a cavity, said foil adapted to expand as said gas fills saidcavity.
 41. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of saidicemaker is at least one imitation ice cube.
 42. The object of claim 41,wherein said icemaker further comprises a dispenser for releasing gasinto said object body to chum said ice cube.
 43. The object of claim 35,wherein said movable element of said bubble machine is a rotationmechanism.
 44. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element ofsaid bubble machine is a bubble formation device.
 45. The object ofclaim 43, wherein said object body of said bubble machine comprises: aninterior wall, said interior wall defining an interior space with saidbody; and, a disk operatively connected to said body within saidinterior space, said disk having a first opening defined therein, saiddisk also having a disk edge, a portion of said disk edge forming asealed connection with said interior wall to form a separate cavity. 46.The object of claim 43, wherein said rotation mechanism furthercomprises: an axle disposed through a hole in said disk; and, paddlesoperatively connected to said axle beneath said disk, said paddlesadapted to rotate said axle as said gas passes through said interiorspace of said object body.
 47. The object of claim 46, wherein saidbubble machine further comprises a bubble formation device operativelyconnected to said axle.
 48. The object of claim 47, wherein said bubbleformation device comprises at least one bubble wand, said bubble wandhaving a first end operatively connected to said axle, said bubble wandfurther comprising a second end distal from said first end, said secondend having an opening.
 49. A method for utilizing a toy; providing apressurized toy comprising a body, a portion of said body being hollow;said hollow portion of said body having an opening, said opening adaptedto enable pressurized gas to escape from said hollow portion of saidbody; pressurizing said hollow portion of said body; releasing said gasthrough said opening and into operative engagement with an associatedobject, said released gas transferring energy from said body to theassociated object.
 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising thestep of: emitting sound from the object.
 51. The method of claim 49,wherein the object further comprises at least one movable element inoperative association with the object, the method further comprising thestep of: moving the movable element.
 52. The method of claim 49, whereinsaid hollow portion of said body is pressurized through a pressurizingmechanism.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein said pressurizingmechanism is a fan.
 54. A toy system, comprising: a toy body,comprising: a hollow body member, said hollow body member defining avolume therein; a gas disposed within said volume; a pressurizingmechanism; and, a plurality of apertures disposed in said hollow bodymember, said plurality of apertures adapted to permit said pressurizedgas to escape from said volume; and, a plurality of objects selectivelyand interchangeably in operative association with said body, such thatsaid pressurized gas escaping from said hollow portion of said bodyprovides energy to said selected object.
 55. The article of claim 3,wherein said pressurizing mechanism comprises: a fan; and, a manifold,said fan being in operative association with said manifold.
 56. Thearticle of claim 55, wherein said manifold further comprises: a manifoldbody; and, at least one port extending from said manifold body, whereinsaid port and said manifold body define a continuous passageway for saidpressurized gas to flow.
 57. The article of claim 56, wherein said bodyfurther comprises a plurality of openings defined in said body.
 58. Thearticle of claim 57, further comprising a plurality of pressurizingmechanisms, each of said plurality of pressurizing mechanisms beingselectively positioned in operative association with at least one ofsaid plurality of openings.